Islet (cell) transplantation in type-1 diabetes patients

Functional results of islet (cell) transplantation have continuously improved over time. One potential indication for islet (cell) transplantation is given in type-1 diabetic recipients without significant endogenous insulin secretion and frequent severe hypoglycemic episodes (ITA), as well as with end-stage nephropathy (SIK) or previous kidney transplantation (IAK). Islet (cell) transplantation achieves the primary therapy goal of graft function and stable glucose control without severe hypoglycemia in the majority of cases. According to registry data, islet (cell) graft survival after 1 and 3 years is 82% and 75%, and insulin independence 43%-50% and 35%, respectively. This is associated with a significant improvement in quality of life and reduced progression of secondary diabetic complications compared with intensified insulin therapy alone. Patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus and the indication for transplantation should be offered either islet (cell) or vascularized pancreas transplantation while taking the benefits and risks of each treatment option into consideration.